Umpire profiles

In March 2002, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that a select panel of umpires would be appointed to take charge of matches at international level.

The introduction of the new panel was aimed at allowing the best and most respected umpires to stand in the sport's biggest games; to improve the overall standard of umpiring at international level; and to establish a benchmark to which future umpires could aspire.

Two umpires from the Elite Panel now stand in all Test matches and at least one member of the Elite Panel officiates in each one-day international.

Umpires on the CA National Panel officiate in all of Cricket Australia’s senior domestic men’s matches including the:-

JLT Sheffield Shield

JLT One-Day Cup

KFC T20 Big Bash League

National Panel Umpires also officiate in Women’s International matches and can be appointed to 4th Umpire duties in ICC Test Matches played in Australia

Four National Panel Umpire members are also accredited on the ICC International Panel and are available to support the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires. Umpires are contracted to their home boards and are nominated by their board to this panel. Umpires on this panel can be used by the ICC in international matches or by the home board for on field duties in ODIs or third umpire duties for Tests and ODIs.

In 2001 CA implemented a strategic plan focused on aligning umpiring across Australia and improving umpiring at the elite level – i.e. a major focus of the plan was to produce better umpires at the First Class and International levels of the game.

One of the initiatives to arise from this plan was the development of a CA Project Panel for umpiring which targeted former players who were interested in turning their hand to umpiring. The theory was that former players had already built a lot of experience and expertise of the game, had an affinity for the on-field workplace environment, and that an individual with the right attitude, work ethic and support could become a successful umpire.

In season 2014/15, Cricket Australia introduced both a male and female Project Panel opportunity.

Cricket Australia unveiled a rejuvenised umpire pathway for season 2015/16, which will provide additional opportunities in line with the new competition formats being introduced. In season 2016/17, this panel expanded from five to six members.

With the advent of the WBBL and the increase of Toyota Future League fixtures, a formal CA Development Panel has been established. The Development Panel will be appointed to WBBL and Toyota Futures League fixtures across the country and will be joined by locally selected State Umpire Panel members to officiate some of the best talent coming through their own playing pathways.